Kirby-Jones named MVP by Vancouver after his performance this summer

Sep 15, 2010

COOKEVILLE, Tenn. – AJ Kirby-Jones has made himself right
at home at Nat Bailey Stadium at Scotiabank Field in Vancouver,
British Columbia, as his minor league debut with the Vancouver
Canadians can be labeled nothing less than a monumental
success.

On Sept. 5, Kirby-Jones was awarded the Charlie Metro Award
(Most Valuable Player) by Canadian's manager Rick Magnante and his
staff, becoming one of four members of the team to earn a 2010
Player Award for the summer season.

Kirby-Jones, who flashed the leather at first base for
Vancouver, finished his campaign having set a franchise record of
14 home runs – double that of his second place counterpart -
and 42 RBI in a single season, posting a .259 batting average to
boot.

Appearing in 74 of the 76 games played this summer, he helped
drive the Canadians into the post-season by hitting .324 over his
final 10 games. Couple those stats with his contributions
defensively on the diamond, and it's hard-pressed to argue a more
deserving recipient of the award.

On the year, Kirby-Jones went 64-247 at the plate (.259) and
contributed 10 extra-base hits in addition to his 14 long balls. He
eyeballed 61 walks for the year, earning nearly three times as many
free bases as the second place walk stat (23). His patience at the
place earned him a .417 on base percentage and a .470 slugging
percentage – stats that rank second overall on the team.

Joining Kirby-Jones as 2010 Player Award winners are Michael
Choice (Offensive Player of the Year), Matt Thomson and Nathan Long
(Co-Pitchers of the Year). Long was also awarded the Fan's Choice
Award by the Canadian's Coaching Staff.

Learn more about the Vancouver Canadians and continue to follow
Kirby-Jones as he makes his way through the minors by checking out
his bio here.